Toronto is a vast, diverse city – crackling with energy in some corners, yet subdued and pastoral in other areas. As such, the city is home to several types of luxury.
Really, it boils down to how you define luxury. For some, luxury means access to glitzy fashion outlets, exclusive restaurants, and the latest spa trends (healing salt caves, anyone?). For others, luxury equals space: wide-open plots of land hosting architectural grandeur and situated in low-density areas away from the frazzled downtown core. Some see luxury in terms of postal code, preferring neighbours in a similar high-net-worth bracket. And for others, the epitome of luxury is passing down a stellar education to their kids.
At Harvey Kalles Real Estate, our experienced realtors pride themselves on matchmaking the perfect home in the perfect area to your exacting criteria. To act with that level of precision, we take great efforts to intimately understand each corner of this city…and the kind of luxury it offers.
If you’re considering purchasing a dream home in the city, explore this breakdown of Toronto neighbourhoods known for their luxury appeal. If something catches your eye, contact a member of the Harvey Kalles Real Estate team to start looking.
Rosedale: History Meets Elegance
Rosedale traces its history to the early 19th Century, getting its name from the once-ubiquitous wild roses that grew in the area. Even 200 years ago, the neighbourhood had a reputation among the Torontonian elite who built architecturally grand Victorian and Edwardian-style mansions that still stand today. Several of Rosedale’s homes carry that rare “heritage home” designation.
If you’re looking for some of the largest single-family properties in the city, you’ve found your spot. If you’re looking to own a piece of Toronto’s storied history, you’ve found your spot. And if you want access to lush, pristinely kept green spaces like Rosedale Ravine, Chorley Park, and Craigleigh Gardens – you have found your spot in Rosedale.
Lawrence Park: Architectural Diversity in a Tight-Knit Community
Back in 2011, the Toronto Star named Lawrence Park “not only the richest neighbourhood in Ontario — but all of Canada.” Little has changed in the intervening 13 years. This neighbourhood gem, sandwiched between Yonge and Bayview just north of Eglington, is still an exclusive luxury hotspot in Toronto.
Unlike Rosedale’s fairly cohesive architectural makeup, the name of the game here is diversity. It isn’t uncommon to see Colonial-style homes rubbing elbows with Tudor Revivals, Georgian styles and even some mansions built in the last decade. The neighbourhood is also home to some of the city’s finest schools and best recreational facilities, making it a natural draw for families. Finally, the strong community ethos in neighbourhoods like Lawrence Park ensure that the district always stays in tip-top shape.
Forest Hill: Classic, Laid-Back, Lived-in Luxury
In many ways, Forest Hill is the classic luxury neighbourhood. It’s been wealthy for as long as it’s been a neighbourhood, and it sits in that prime hotspot northeast of the city centre, near a few neighbourhoods that could’ve made this list, like Leaside, Casa Loma, and Davisville Village.
More than that, Forest Hill is a marvel to behold. Its mix of classic mansions and modern builds keeps things architecturally vibrant. Eglinton Park, Viewmont Park, and especially Cedarvale Park make the case for being some of the finest green spaces in the city. And the neighbourhood’s highly prized schools, like the Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and Upper Canada College, are some of Canada’s best.
Yorkville: The Epicenter of Urban Luxury
If your notion of luxury involves a designer bag in one hand and a gold credit card in the other, Yorkville is your yourville.
Situated right next to the action around Bloor and Avenue, Yorkville trades in upscale urban charm. It’s home to several high-end boutiques (Isaia, CNTRBND, Moncler, etc.), gourmet dining spots (Café Boulud, Alobar, Buca, etc.), and luxury hotels (The Hazelton, Four Seasons, etc.) that routinely open their doors to celebrities and visiting dignitaries. To top it off, Yorkville has carved out a name for itself as one of Toronto’s premier cultural hubs with astounding galleries, theatres and art museums.
Because of its urban milieu, Yorkville features a higher density than most of the other entries on this list. You can find heritage homes here (they’re beautiful, by the way), but often, the inventory you see gracing the market is luxury condos.
The Bridle Path: Toronto’s “Millionaire’s Row”
No tour of Toronto luxury is complete without a stop at the vaunted Bridle Path. In fact, literal tours of celebrity luxury homes practically park their buses in The Bridle Path – that’s how many noteworthy individuals live here.
What can you expect at this “Millionaire’s Row” in northeast Toronto? There are spacious properties, private estates, opulent mansions, and all the security and prestige that accompanies exclusive living. These are sprawling properties in a neighbourhood as famous as its residents.
To pounce on one of the infrequently listed homes in The Bridle Path, you need to connect with a luxury real estate company like Harvey Kalles Real Estate. Contact us to get the ball rolling.
The Annex: A Fusion of History and Modernity
Whereas Yorkville turns on the urban glitz and glamour, The Annex displays a different side of urban luxury: vibrant, culturally hip, and academic. Once the scene of 1960s/70s Toronto counterculture, the Annex has grown up to be a mature and stately neighbourhood still bearing that cultural panache.
Seated in the bustling and trendy west end, The Annex features quiet enclaves of Victorian and Edwardian homes – some of the most notable homes in Toronto, according to our own blog. It’s also within walking distance of any amenities you might need on Bloor Street.
However you define luxury – whether it’s serenity, glamour, privacy, or prestige – you’ll find it in these neighbourhoods. Chat with the expert realtors at Harvey Kalles Real Estate about your “non-negotiables” and other criteria, and allow us to locate your dream home. We’ll provide you with complete neighbourhood data, demographic marketing sheets, off-market listings, and more to ensure our search aligns with your tastes.
